Battle of Bull's Gap facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Bulls Gap
Part of the American Civil War
Date November 11-13, 1864 Location Hamblen County and Greene County, Tennessee Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
Alvan C. Gillem	John C. Breckinridge
Units involved
Governor's Guard Brigade (Tennessee) 3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry	Department of Western Virginia Department of East Tennessee
Strength
2,500	3,000
Casualties and losses
324	100

The Battle of Bulls Gap was a fight during the American Civil War. It happened from November 11 to November 13, 1864. This battle took place in Hamblen and Greene counties in Tennessee.

Why the Battle Happened

In November 1864, a Confederate general named John C. Breckinridge led his troops into East Tennessee. His goal was to find food and supplies for his army. He also wanted to push the Union soldiers out of the area.

A Union force, led by General Alvan C. Gillem, had moved forward. But they had to retreat when Breckinridge's larger Confederate army approached. The Union troops pulled back to Bulls Gap. This was a key spot on the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad. They needed to protect these important rail lines that led to Knoxville.

The Battle Days

Day One: November 11

On the morning of November 11, the Confederate soldiers attacked. But the Union troops fought them off by 11:00 a.m. Cannon fire continued throughout the rest of the day.

Day Two: November 12

Both sides launched attacks on the morning of November 12. The Confederates tried to hit the Union forces in different places. However, they did not gain much ground.

Day Three: November 13

Fighting continued for most of the day on November 13. But the Confederates did not try to storm the Union lines. The Union soldiers were running low on everything, including ammunition and food. Because of this, they left Bulls Gap late that evening. They moved toward Russellville.

What Happened Next

General Breckinridge chased the Union soldiers on November 14. He caught up with them near Russellville. This caused the Union troops to scatter and retreat quickly. The Union forces then fell back to Strawberry Plains. This town was just outside of Knoxville.

Breckinridge attacked them again there. But then, more Union soldiers arrived to help. Also, bad weather made the roads and rivers difficult to cross. So, Breckinridge and most of his army went back to Virginia. The Confederate win at Bulls Gap was a temporary setback for the Union. It meant the Union's plan to clear Confederates from East Tennessee was delayed.